Hacking to receive his murder sentence

Sentencing is set today for Mark Douglas Hacking, the Salt Lake City man who shot and killed his wife after his secret life as a fake college graduate and medical student started to unravel.

Hacking, 29, is set to appear before 3rd District Judge Denise Lindberg for sentencing for first-degree felony murder, which can carry a potential sentence of five years to life in prison. Prosecutors said they did not have enough evidence for a charge of aggravated murder, which carries the death penalty.

Hacking has admitted he fatally shot Lori Soares Hacking while she was asleep in their apartment. It is not unusual for prosecutors to ask the judge for additional prison time if a weapon was used to commit a crime.

Three second-degree felony counts of obstruction of justice lodged against Hacking have been dismissed.

Lindberg has sealed six victim impact statements provided to the court, and Adult Probation and Parole has prepared a pre-sentence report for the judge to consider.

Judges routinely rely heavily on the information in pre-sentence reports as they consider sentencing, although jurists are restricted by Utah's sentencing ranges that spell out certain lengths of time for different types of crimes. How long someone spends in prison is ultimately determined by the state Board of Pardons.

With the statements sealed, officials aren't saying who has asked to speak at the hearing.

But as has happened in past high-profile sentencings, today's hearing will include emotional statements from those affected by the crime. Most likely to speak before the judge are members of Lori Hacking's family. Members of Mark Hacking's family could also speak.

Defendants also are permitted to speak if they choose — something Hacking has not officially done before.

Thelma Soares, mother of the victim, declined Friday through a family spokesman to comment about the pending hearing.

After sentencing, it is likely Hacking will be taken to the Utah State Prison.

Department of Corrections spokesman Jack Ford said all new inmates undergo four to six weeks of assessment and orientation to classify them and determine where they will be housed. Aggressive inmates are classed as "kappas," neutral inmates (few in number) are "omegas" and weaker inmates, such as pedophiles, very young prisoners or those who are physically weak are classified as "sigmas."